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Your home's front door isn't just the entryway to your house. It's also one of the first things guests see when they stop by, and what protects you and other members of your household from intruders and the elements. The tone of your front door sets the tone of the rest of your home and tells people a story about who you are.
That's why it's important to choose one that fits your manufactured home and reflects your taste and style. From design and color options to security features, here's how to find a door that's the perfect match.
Why Manufactured Homes Need Doors Built for Them
It's a fact: exterior door sizing is different in manufactured homes compared to site-built homes. Door jambs are slightly smaller in manufactured homes because of thinner walls and lower ceiling heights. If you stop by your local big-box store and pick out a standard-size door, you'll likely need to modify it to fit your manufactured home. Modifying a standard-size door can compromise its seal, void its warranty and reduce your home's energy efficiency.
Caliber exterior doors from Style Crest are sized and designed specifically for manufactured homes, meaning they'll fit your home properly, delivering long-lasting performance, and good looks, too.
Style and Color: Making It Yours
When choosing a door, think about what you want it to say about your home, then choose a style that reflects that:
- If you're looking to create a warm and welcoming exterior, a large window or decorative glass can be inviting.
- A door with built-in mini-blinds offers flexibility to maintain privacy when you need it or open them up when you're feeling social.
- Different panel options, such as flat or raised, can also change the overall look and feel of your front door.
The color of your front door is entirely up to you. Many Style Crest doors are primed for paint or stain, so they're ready for you to customize. The primed doors have a wood grain emboss that accepts stain, making it look as though you have a genuine wood door. If you prefer paint, choose a color that coordinates with your home's exterior palette — and consider how the shade you pick can help express the personality of your home. A bold red can feel energetic and welcoming, while a deep navy or charcoal reads classic and calm. Some research even shows that door color can affect the perceived home value!
What to Consider Beyond Looks
Of course, there's more to choosing a front door than aesthetics. It's what keeps the unwanted out of your home, whether that's hot or cold air, unwanted visitors or curious critters. You need a door that can take what the weather dishes out. Consider these factors, as well:
- Weather resistance: Especially if you live in an area with extreme weather patterns, make sure your door can live up to the task. Whether it's lots of sun, heavy rainstorms or fluctuating temperatures, considering these factors will ensure you choose a door that lasts longer.
- Security: Look for reinforced frames, solid construction, and quality locksets.
- Energy efficiency: An insulated door will help keep your utility bills in check while improving the comfort of your home.
- Visibility:
Features such as a peephole or knocker viewer let you confirm the person on the other side is someone you actually want to talk to before you open the door. A diamond window can also be a good choice, letting you see who's at the door without letting everyone walking by see what's for dinner or what's on TV.
The Full Picture: Completing Your Exterior
The front door is the star of your home's exterior, and it's given a big boost by a supporting cast of characters, including the skirting, entry steps and landscaping. If your manufactured home's skirting is failing or cracking, it's time for a refresh to give the home a finished, grounded look. The steps up to your front door should be in good shape and safe to walk on. Small landscaping details, like a potted plant by the door or several flowerpots, add the finishing touch, creating an exterior that screams "welcome home."
Open the Door to a Home You Love
Your door is something you pass through every day; it'll be one of the first things you, and anyone else, sees as they approach your home. Choosing the right one is one of the most personal, and highest impact, upgrades you can make to your manufactured home. Explore exterior door options from Style Crest and connect with a dealer today to find the right one for your home.
